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UK Power Networks (UKPN) is planning to spend £7.5 billion on improving its electricity distribution network between 2015 and 2023.

In its latest business plan, UKPN has set out a £0.8 billion increase in spending, compared to the current spending period (2010-2015).

The rise has been attributed to preparation work ahead of the national smart meter roll-out, creating a robust infrastructure in the East of England to cope with new wind farms, strategic decisions in central London, and an increase in work volumes.

In central London, UKPN plans to invest £210 million to improve the reliability of electricity supplies by creating additional capacity through six new substations, introducing greater automation at high voltage and low voltage levels, and trialling technology to minimise the impact of power cuts at four sites.

The plans, which can be found on the UKPN website, are open to public consultation until February 1.